In Defense of Chris Buttars

My state senator, Chris Buttars, has managed to get himself in a bit of hot water. His comment that the “radical gay community” is the “greatest threat to America going down I know of” is the one that seems to be getting all the attention from the media.

First off, I think ABC4 did a nice job of clarifying that his comment was directed to the “radical gay community” and not all gays generally. Most media reports leave that tidbit out in an attempt to stir up trouble for Senator Buttars.

Secondly, is what he said really unheard of or shocking?

During the last LDS General Conference Elder James J. Hamula quotes an earlier talk by President Boyd K. Packer which said, “I know of nothing in the history of the Church or in the history of the world to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now.”

President Packer went on to say, “Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, even accorded legal protection. At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now they are spread across the world, and they are among us.”

The Divine Institution of Marriage also says:

“In recent years in the United States and other countries, a movement has emerged to promote same-sex marriage as an inherent or constitutional right. This is not a small step, but a radical change: instead of society tolerating or accepting private, consensual sexual behavior between adults, advocates of same-sex marriage seek its official endorsement and recognition.”

“This trend constitutes a serious threat to marriage and family. The institution of marriage will be weakened, resulting in negative consequences for both adults and children.”

“Because this question strikes at the very heart of the family, because it is one of the great moral issues of our time, and because it has the potential for great impact upon the family, the Church is speaking out on this issue, and asking members to get involved.”

“… speaking out against practices with which the Church disagrees on moral grounds – including same-sex marriage – does not constitute abuse or the frequently misused term ‘hate speech.’ “

“Legalizing same-sex marriage will affect a wide spectrum of government activities and policies. Once a state government declares that same-sex unions are a civil right, those governments almost certainly will enforce a wide variety of other policies intended to ensure that there is no discrimination against same-sex couples. This may well place ‘church and state on a collision course.’”

“…if same-sex marriage becomes a recognized civil right, there will be substantial conflicts with religious freedom. And in some important areas, religious freedom may be diminished.”

“Adopting same-sex marriage compromises the traditional concept of marriage, with harmful consequences for society. ”

“… the legalization of same-sex marriage likely will erode the social identity, gender development, and moral character of children. Is it really wise for society to pursue such a radical experiment without taking into account its long-term consequences for children?”

“These developments will create serious clashes between the agenda of the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children traditional standards of morality.”

Kind of makes the point that it’s a big deal, huh? You might even be able to see where Buttars would get the impression that it is the “greatest threat to America.”

There’s a strong argument to be made that what Senator Buttars said was tactically a dumb thing to say. He should have known that the media and liberals would play this for as much sympathy and attention as they could get. Still, I agree with the basic sentiment that homosexuality is an evil practice and shouldn’t be accepted or granted approval.

However, I’m not really interested in arguing over homosexuality or gay marriage (my church said it should be illegal, so case closed as far as I’m concerned). This was all a long-winded way of getting at my point: Liberals are way too worried about what other people think about them. It’s like listening to needy middle-schoolers whine “but what if they don’t like me or think that I’m cool.” See for yourself:

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=5644436 : “The Utah Pride Center said Buttars' recent comments as well as today's press conference deeply hurt and saddened its community.”

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=5628917&pid=1 : “Many Utahn's, straight, gay and transgender alike, are understandably very upset by Senator Buttars' hurtful statements.”

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=5635909 : "It gives us a horrible name. People would expect it, actually, from Utah because that's what they think goes on here, that we're really close-minded and un-accepting. So, it would fit right into the stereotype of us," said Chantel Lichtenfels. Josh Ewing, with the public relations firm Love Communications, says these comments create an image nightmare for Utah. "It just cements the reputation that Utah is kind of a backward place with incredibly conservative people," he said.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=5644436 : And someone else said, "Buttars should be forced to resign. He is an embarrassment for our state."

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11809451?source=rv : Jennilynn Peterson said she brought her toddler son to the party in express defiance of the idea that gay activists were somehow dangerous. "I think it's a great thing for him to experience," said Peterson, a resident of Bountiful. "I'm not going to hide the world from him." Peterson, who grew up in Utah, said she resented how Buttars' comments might be interpreted outside of the Beehive State. "He doesn't speak for Utah," she said. "I really hate that all over the United States, people think we're all like him. We're not."

I could dig up equally “offensive” quotes by liberals about conservatives, Bush (they routinely called him a chimp - try that with BHO and see what you get labeled), Republicans, white people, rural Americans, etc. but that’s not the point. The point is that liberals need to toughen up and realize that we’re not all going to shower them with praise if they choose to be queer.

And who cares what California or New York or San Francisco think of Utah? I sure don’t. They don’t give a rat’s behind what I think of their silly ideas or “lifestyle choices” so why should I care about their opinions of me or my state? And why are liberals so desperate for outside approval? Where’s their spine? It’s like they can’t stand the thought of someone in the world not liking them. It comes off as pathetic and annoying.